Government at odds with voters over refugee policy change
Free Movement reports Law Society polling showing a clear majority of people in the UK reject the rationale underpinning the government's Nationality and Borders Bill which singles out those who have to take a clandestine route to safety.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We're really concerned that if Lords amendments are rejected by the Commons the Nationality and Borders Bill may not comply with international law or uphold access to justice for refugees. Almost two thirds of people (65%) said refugees who have to take clandestine routes to reach safety in the UK should have the same rights as refugees who are brought here by the government (just 33% said they should have fewer rights).
"When parliament votes on the Bill on 22 March MPs should follow the will of the people and support the Lords' amendment. Punishing refugees who arrive in the UK without prior permission would also almost certainly put the UK in breach of the United Nations (UN) Refugee Convention, which the UK helped form."
Law in Action
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce and Law society policy adviser Hazel Blake spoke to Law in Action yesterday on BBC Radio 4 (listen from 5:55 and 14:16). Stephanie discussed judicial diversity while Hazel addressed human rights reforms.
P&O sackings
Paul Singh, a member of our employment law committee spoke to Times Radio about the next steps for P&O and the now jobless 800 crew members (from 43:30).
As part of our Ask a Solicitor series, Shantha David, chair of the employment law committee also spoke to BBC Radio Cornwall (from 41:39) and BBC Radio Humberside (from 3:13:01) about the sackings and employment rights in relation to covid and sick pay.
SLAPPs
In the Gazette Jonathan Goldsmith, a member of council, discusses SLAPPs (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) and if everyone has the right to a lawyer and what role the Law Society should play in this discussion.
President leads tribute to Gemma Lodge
The Gazette reports on the tributes paid to the late former social mobility ambassador Gemma Lodge.
I. Stephanie Boyce said "I am saddened to hear of the passing of Gemma Lodge and my thoughts go out to her family and friends at this time.
"Gemma was appointed as a social mobility ambassador in 2017. She was dedicated to this role and frequently supported students and aspiring solicitors who contacted her for advice through the project inbox. She was passionate about social mobility and was always willing to provide insight and guidance to those who reached out to her.
"'Gemma also championed non-traditional routes into the profession and highlighted the value of work experience in moulding capable individuals into well-rounded lawyers. She will be missed by so many."
Legal aid funding boost
The Justice Gap examines the Ministry of Justice's announcement of an increase in funding for legal aid, criticising the lack of funding for lawyers specialising in prison law advice or criminal appeals.
"This investment represents a welcome first step towards repairing our criminal justice system and ensuring defence solicitors are available when any of us may need them" said I. Stephanie Boyce.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Today's Family Lawyer, Today's Conveyancer and Today's Wills & Probate that solicitors in England and Wales are marking Neurodiversity Celebration Week. The Law Society has signed up to Neurodiversity in Business and Neurodiversity in Law.
I. Stephanie Boyce said: "Both these initiatives are aimed at integrating and building a better workplace for neurodivergent people by promoting and supporting neurodiversity and eliminating the stigma often associated with people who think differently.
"There are still obstacles faced by different groups in the legal profession. There are no broad-brush solutions to these challenges, but we are working to understand the different experiences of members of our profession and how we can play our part in removing the barriers that do still exist."
Also worth a read:
- "Core of dissatisfaction" with lawyers fuelling complaints to LeO – Legal Futures
- MoJ shelves plans for further whiplash reform – Gazette
- Barristers to press ahead with legal action – Gazette
- 100,000 still trapped in Mariupol – BBC
- Inflation hits new 30-year high – BBC
- P&O ferries offers £100,000 to some sacked staff – BBC
- Long covid could create a generation affected by disability, experts warn – Guardian